Aspall -Dry- English Draft Cider

Its been a while since I have reviewed any ciders, and I'm sorry thats the case.  Since my last post I've relocated from the Los Angeles area to Washington state.  Its nice up here, but cold and rainy, and I cannot think of anything I'd rather be doing than drinking cider.  

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Aspall Dry English Draft Cider.  I have been meaning to try this cider for some time, but the high price tag has scared me off once or twice.  I finally broke down and purchased a bottle, and I am glad that I did.  I'm very impressed.  After the fist sip it is obvious that this is a cider to be taken seriously.  Immediately I notice that this is cider is different that the other ciders I have tasted, as it is very champagne-like and possesses an excellent balance of dryness and sweetness.  The flavor is very clean and not overpowering.  I immediately enjoy this cider, and this cider gets even better as I approach finishing the bottle.  

Aspall is imported from England, and according to the website, has been milled in Suffolk for eight generations.  The cider is a blend of multiple apple types, with "Cox for sweetness, Bramley for acidity and apple aroma, and finally, a combination of bittersweet apples to give a heady perfume, body and depth of finish."  Eight generations of cider making has payed off.  

First, let me say, that if price is no object, I highly, highly, recommend this cider.  How does this compare to ACE brand Honey Apple cider (my benchmark)?  As far a scoring goes, I give Aspall Dry English Daft Cider a 9/10.  Actually, I give it a 9.5/10.  I appreciate the fact that is is not too sweet, nor too dry, unlike that Ace Honey Apple cider which is a little on the sweet side.  But, compared to my benchmark ACE cider, Aspall is kind of unmemorable.  Unlike ACE, its flavor is not particularly distinct.  Furthermore, it is not a particularly good value at $6.50 a bottle.  --That said, at 6.8% Alcohol content it packs a serious punch.  Overall, Aspall is a connoisseurs cider, and I certainly am curious to try other ciders made by this company.  

P.S.  This cider has an awesome, clean, aftertaste.  

price paid: $6.50 for 500ml bottle.  

6.8% ALC